Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life Our Birth: Cosmic
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Apr 8, 2026 A theological look at spiritual new birth and how resurrection power begins now in believers. Different kinds of conversion stories are contrasted to show varied paths to renewal. The talk explores where inner change happens, how suffering shapes growing faith, and why hope grounded in Christ endures beyond worldly things.
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New Birth Is What Christianity Is
- Becoming a Christian is defined by experiencing the new birth, not as a subtype of Christianity but as Christianity itself.
- Timothy Keller stresses Peter's language: "us" means every Christian has received regeneration, otherwise they are not Christian.
Three Very Different Conversion Stories
- Keller gives three conversion examples to show variety: a suicidal man converted in a church service, C. Everett Koop's slow change over 18 months, and Ruth Graham's childhood gradual faith.
- These examples illustrate conversions can be dramatic, gradual over years, or formed in childhood with no single memorable moment.
Personal Regeneration Mirrors Cosmic Renewal
- Keller links the Greek palingenesia to both individual regeneration and the renewal of all things at Christ's return, meaning the same renewing power arrives in believers now.
- He calls the present new birth a first installment or foretaste of the cosmic renewal Jesus described in Matthew 19:28.
